Patrick Shanahan to replace James Mattis as US Defense Secretary

United States President Donald Trump has announced that he will replace Defence Secretary Jim Mattis with his deputy Patrick Shanahan as acting Pentagon chief on January 1. 

US President announced the replacement of the Pentagon chief two months earlier than Mattis' planned



departure. In a tweet, Mr Trump said, Patrick has a long list of accomplishments while serving as Deputy, and previously Boeing and he will be great. Mr Mattis announced his resignation on Thursday with a letter saying his views were not aligned with Mr Trump.